Sen Pangilinan files reso to probe high food prices

Senator Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan has filed Senate Resolution No. 5, urging an inquiry into persistently high food prices that have burdened Filipino families and affected vulnerable sectors.

The resolution aims to assess government measures such as importation, price monitoring, and targeted subsidies implemented to stabilize food prices and ensure affordability.

Pangilinan highlighted the significant increase in essential food prices over recent months, attributing the rise to factors like supply chain disruptions, high production costs, climate change impacts, and hoarding practices.

Recent surveys by Social Weather Stations found that 20% of Filipino families experienced involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months, with regional disparities noted.

The senator emphasized the need for a review of existing policies to address food affordability issues and protect consumer welfare, stressing the urgency of legislative interventions.

Measures taken so far include reducing rice tariffs and implementing suggested retail prices on rice and pork to ensure food affordability, yet these efforts have had limited impact.

Mr. Pangilinan is eyeing the chairmanship of the Senate committee on agriculture, food, and agrarian reform as the 20th Congress convenes on July 28.